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The global cost of living calculators have been created to compare the cost of living in every country and major city in the world, to help you manage short and long term assignments (page down for a description of each cost of living calculator):

International Cost of Living Help

Malawi is in Southern Africa, east of Zambia. The climate is sub-tropical with a rainy season (November to May) and a dry season (May to November).

The official languages are English and Chichewa. It is the official language of business and government and is widely spoken in the capital Lilongwe and other urban centres. Chichewa, the tongue of the dominant Chewa tribe, is the other official language, while Chitumbuka is the predominant language of the north. The main religions are Christianity and Islam.

The economy of Malawi is among the world's least developed and most densely populated. The economy is heavily agriculture-based, with around 85% of the population living in rural areas. More than one-third of GDP and 90% of export revenues come from agriculture.

Malawians are generally extremely friendly. Expatriate business dress is typically a lightweight suit and tie for men and a lightweight suit or its equivalent for women. Using first names in business meetings is considered impolite in Malawi. The use of 'Sir' or 'Madam', or alternatively 'Mister' or 'Missus' followed by a surname is preferred.

The security risk for expatriates in Malawi is low overall, but medium in urban areas. Risks include general crime and scams, particularly of those perceived as wealthy.

The currency of Malawi is the Malawi Kwacha (MWK). While ATMs are available in major urban areas not all international cards are accepted. Major credit cards are accepted at some shops and restaurants.

Medical facilities are generally below international standards. Outbreaks of gastric intestinal infections including cholera are common. There is a high prevalence of HIV.

The population of Malawi is 18.1 Million (2018 est.), while the inflation rate (CPI) is 9.9% for Malawi as at December 2018.

Xpatulator Hypothetical Tax for Malawi is based on the current personal income tax rates which are progressive up to 30%.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Malawi as at 1 January 2019 is average in comparison to other places in the world.

In Malawi, the cost of each basket, based on local prices, compared to the international average, is categorized follows (Exact cost of living percentages only available in personalised reports):1) Alcohol (where available) & Tobacco: Low2) Clothing: Average3) Communication: Very High4) Education: Very Low5) Furniture & Appliances: High6) Groceries: Very Low7) Healthcare: High8) Household Accommodation: Very Low9) Miscellaneous: Low10) Personal Care: Very High11) Recreation & Culture: Very High12) Restaurants Meals Out and Hotels: Low13) Transport: Very High

Malawi is for example -22.4% cheaper than USA for groceries, -46.4% cheaper for household costs than UK, and 163% more expensive for transport costs than India.

Malawi is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.

The hardship premium for Malawi for an expat from Australia, is for example 20%, i.e. host location (Malawi) premium of 30% minus home (Australia) location premium of 10%.

Want to know more about cost of living, hardship (quality of living) or expat salary in Malawi? Register subscribe to your home location and Malawi and run your personalised reports.